Re: safe file systems [OFFTOPIC]

Robert Wuest (rwuest@sire.vt.com)
Sat, 04 Oct 1997 13:03:02 -0500

I'd like to thank everyone who replied to this thread. I think the
end result is going to be good. This turns out to be a really simple
userspace problem for me. (So I guess it's a little off-topic here,
huh? I'll keep it short.)

First, the use of a UPS, while it does seem to be a good idea, is
not really practical in this case. Too many systems involved. This is a
real low budget, mexican maquiladora operation. And besides, the boss
says no way.

BUT, I have a set of three machines on the floor that have serious
problems with their software and I've been given the go-ahead to do
whatever I think is right to get them to run. Even to buy new computers
if I need. And prove my point with Linux. These particular systems are
currently stand-alone; no LAN connection.

Here's what I've decided to do based on the input I've received:
1. Create a root partition with the system and all programs, data and
development tools and freeze my setup. Mount this read-only.
2. Create a small partition where process activity can be logged and
program builds can be performed. Fsck should run fast on this.
3. Prove the system and petition for a LAN connection.

If^h^hWhen I make this work, Linux will be a hero in the plant because
these systems have been a mess for many years and 4 or 5 engineers have
tried to fix them before. It may open up a lot of doors. There are about
70 systems where we could benefit bigtime by using Linux over DOS.

-- 
Robert Wuest, PE                Empowered           Kemet Electronics
Sirius Engineering Company         by           robertwuest@kemet.com
mailto:rwuest@sire.vt.com        Linux


It'd be kind of neat to have Linux running the machines to make the caps
required on the motherboards to run Linux.